Elan steering rack confusion ... help

[Andrewelan]

Not sure as current backlog was around 2-3 weeks when I dropped mine in...usual covid reasons...!

Picking it up on Mon next week...round trip via Macclesfield to drop brakes and servo at Classicar Automotive...will post some pics and happy to let all know what price was paid (when I get the bill!)

[MarkDa]

I too can recommend Classicar Automotive for servo rebuild - like new afterwards.

[HJF]

Although I started this thread about my steering rack, I too am calling in at Classicar tomorrow to collect my front brake callipers. This job started as a simple servo repair and is now looking like a full front end rebuild as I spot more issues.

[MarkDa]

It was ever thus
One member ended up doing a full front end rebuild including turret repair because he wanted the indicator cancelling to work in both directions.
I leave it to your imagination how the 10 minute job grew

[HJF]

Further to this, my enquiries earlier this week has resulted in one supplier checking with their supplier and it seems that their racks available outright off the shelf are all made to S4 spec. This makes sense as I found that the spacer part numbers were upgraded with an A prefix suggesting Lotus standardised on the later rack format. Also simplifies inventory and avoids fitting an earlier rack to a later car.

[denicholls2]

It may be my ignorance, but I am confused by "badly modified Herald rack". The Elan and Europa rack were sourced in the Spitfire, which in turn was largely a rebodied Herald with a few more ponies. So I would indeed expect to find a "Herald rack" in both my Europa and your Elan, unless something distinguished early Heralds from the later ones that are Spitfire cousins. I believe 1964 was the first year of the Mk I Spitfire, I had a '69 Mk III as a pup. Pitiful car compared to either Lotus.

There are racks available (made somewhere in South America) as replacements for the Spitfire that are not usable as Elan/Europa replacements (too bad, they're cheap). I''m confident they work fine in the Spitfire. I believe the rod ends and method of attachment are altered. Swapping doesn't work either.

[HJF]

It may be my ignorance, but I am confused by "badly modified Herald rack". The Elan and Europa rack were sourced in the Spitfire, which in turn was largely a rebodied Herald with a few more ponies. So I would indeed expect to find a "Herald rack" in both my Europa and your Elan, unless something distinguished early Heralds from the later ones that are Spitfire cousins. I believe 1964 was the first year of the Mk I Spitfire, I had a '69 Mk III as a pup. Pitiful car compared to either Lotus.

There are racks available (made somewhere in South America) as replacements for the Spitfire that are not usable as Elan/Europa replacements (too bad, they're cheap). I''m confident they work fine in the Spitfire. I believe the rod ends and method of attachment are altered. Swapping doesn't work either.

The rack I pulled out of our Sprint this week had a faded refurbisher’s label on it with the words “Triumph Herald”. Pulling the gaiters off showed no spacer on the pinion end and a crudely fitted home made approximately two inch tube spacer on the other. The tie rods were the standard Herald ones hacksawed down, so that’s what I meant by badly modified.

[Mazzini]

If you have a rack capable of refurbishment then go direct to kileyclinton - it's my understanding that they supply Matty (maybe others?) and when you compare prices there's an incentive to go direct!
Rather depends where you live whether you can visit to get an opinion on your rack.

Bingo! They've been in business for decades and really know what they're doing and as Mark said they supply the Lotus specialists.

[HJF]

Order placed with Kylie Clinton!

Thanks for the help Forum

Off now to Classicar to collect front callipers.

[MarkDa]

Good to hear that you're sorted.

[Andrewelan]

I confirmed pick up of my rack for Monday with Roger Clinton. KC have fitted new rack, 7-tooth pinion (a bit quicker than the 6-tooth which was fitted) new slipper pad and made all necessary adjustments. Total £270 inc vat.